The Interferon Regulatory Factor Family in Host Defense: Mechanism of Action

Overview

Journal J Biol Chem

Specialty Biochemistry

Date 2007 May 16

PMID 17502370

Citations 83

Authors

Keiko Ozato

Prafullakumar Tailor

Toru Kubota

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Transcription factors of the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) family commands the entire type I interferon (IFN) system from induction of IFNs to diverse IFN responses, thereby providing a principal basis for host resistance against pathogens. However, the family has various additional roles. Regulating the development of the immune system, IRFs shape the establishment and execution of innate and adaptive immunity. IRFs also regulate growth and differentiation of many cell types, thus playing a role in leukemia and other cancers. In addition, evidence indicates that IRFs confer antiviral mechanisms not directly ascribed to the IFN system. This review deals with the diverse roles of IRFs in host defense and discusses the molecular mechanisms by which they regulate target gene transcription.

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